1.  FastPic4

 

FastPic4 is a Windows based, inventory control, software package.  It is MegaStar's premier software package.  Written an supported by MegaStar's internal software group, FastPic Systems, and now in its 5th generation, this version has been in use for nearly 5 years.  This means that with the number of customers that have requested capabilities, over the years, the probability is that this software can accomplish your goals.

 

Space Management.  Besides maintaining data on locations and quantities of parts, FastPic4 performs space management, which means that it maps out the storage space (shelf, tray, etc) into locations of the sizes that the customer needs.  Once all the storage space is mapped out, parts are introduced.  The correct storage space size required for each part number and the number of parts that fit into that space are defined by the user.  The system then finds the correct space for that part number.  When the parts are picked from that space, the space becomes available for another part that requires that particular size space.  Part numbers can be assigned to particular locations if the customer desires, but allowing the system to assign the locations will result in better space utilization meaning that more parts will fit into the same amount of total space.  Without space management, the system locations must be redefined by the user often enough that the system does not store empty locations.

 

Automatic downloads.  FastPic4 can automatically download electronic parts orders from the host system and accomplish the pick operation using the downloaded data.  It can then automatically report the results back to the host system.

 

Kits.  Besides parts orders, the software can store kit information and can pull kits upon request.

 

Machine capabilities.  FastPic4 can run vertical and horizontal carousels and vertical lift modules from several manufacturers.  In addition, it has the capability to pick from non-automated equipment (shelving, flow rack, etc) by treating it as phantom machines.  Pick light systems can be attached to this equipment to allow pick to light operations.  With a separate module, parts can be tracked no matter where they are (test station, engineer's desk, salesman's car, managers left front pants pocket, etc).

 

Ease of use.  Although FastPic4 is a very flexible and capable software package (which is usually defined as "complicated to use"), the day to day users will find this package very simple to use.  The reason is that all decisions are defined by the owner (manager) of the system.  That person will define the rules by which the parts are stored and picked (FIFO, LIFO, serial number, lot control, expiration date, etc), who has permission to use the system, and what specific permissions each user is granted.  When the parts picker requests a part, the system follows the rules set by the system manager to present the part to be picked.

 

Reports.  The software maintains a record of every transaction, including the user data and any shortages or problems.  Reports can be generated to show the inventory, problems in the system, low part quantities, fast and slow moving parts, who used the system and when and what they did, etc.  There are 30+ standard reports that can be pulled, and with the use of a commercially available software package, other reports can be developed.

 

Multiple Pod Operations.  FastPic4 can be set up as a stand alone system.  It can be set up as a stand alone network with a server and multiple groups of machines (referred to in the material handling industry as "pods"), each operated by a separate computer and operator, or it can be set up as a server with multiple pods attached to a host system.  In any case, outside computers can be set up to interface with the inventory to allow management control of the parts movement operations.

 

Host Interface Communication.  FastPic4 can communicate with the customer's host warehouse software system by several means, the easiest of which is TCP/IP flat file transfer, which virtually every host software and network can handle, including UNIX and Linux systems.  The communication protocol can be set up in minimal time, usually a couple of hours.

 

Additional hardware.  Besides accomplishing picking operations, FastPic4 can interface with order printers, bar code equipment, bar code label printers, weigh scales, etc.

 

 

2.  Transaction Processor

 

Suppose you need the speed of the FastPic4 system, but you wish to leave the inventory data on your host software system only.  The Transaction Processor software package is a Windows based package that downloads orders, runs the equipment (including pick to light operations), and reports the results back to the host system.  It has the same host interface capabilities as FastPic4, including logging all operations and user data, but does not maintain parts quantities, locations, etc, and, for that reason, does not do space management.

 

 

3.  MM550 Machine Internal Software

 

MegaStar offers this simple machine internal software package for those customers who do not have vast inventories, but need to know where the parts are inside the Vertical Carousel or Vertical Lift Module system.  This is a simple parts locator software that does not require a separate computer.  If there are multiple machines in the system, this package can maintain parts locations for all the machines, so that the user does not have to search each machine separately.